Steps 4 Success Program

The Steps 4 Success Program is a resource made available to students aged in grades 9 to 12 enrolled in partner schools.  The program has been shown to be effective on three levels, as a preventative measure for students who find themselves on the brink of being excluded from the school they attend.  As a support to students who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves temporarily excluded from the school they attend.

Finally, as a last chance for students who are in danger of long-term exclusion or expulsion from the school they attend.  The project aims to reduce the number of repeat suspensions by offering young people the opportunity to transform their suspension time into a positive experience that fosters personal development and autonomy. These goals are accomplished by putting these students in an environment that is conducive to a rewarding personal experience, the acquisition of social skills and the enhancement of their self-respect and respect for others. The project is designed to deal with a variety of problems that young people temporarily excluded from school (occasionally or repeatedly) may face.

The YMCA Steps 4 Success program evaluates referrals for the program based on 3 levels.

• A level 1 referral is a student that has exhibited a behavior that requires immediate intervention, such as substance use or violence at school.
• A level 2 referral is a student that has exhibited disruptive or impulsive behaviors and requires prompt intervention.
• A level 3 referral is a student that has exhibited apathy and lack of motivation and poor attendance at school.  These referrals are less immediate in their need for intervention.

The Steps 4 Success program utilizes a proactive approach.  We explain to all students and parents that become involved with our program that participation in the program is not a punishment or discipline, but rather an opportunity for the student and the school to grow and learn together from the experience and implement plans and supports to help the student be the most successful they can be.